Robyn Baker FISTD

Jan 3, 2018

Robyn trained at the Elmhurst Ballet School where she completed her training and graduated at 19 with a Higher National Diploma and ISTD teaching qualifications in both Ballet & Modern.  Robyn went on to dance at The Grand Opera House, Belfast, with QDOS productions before joining Carnival Cruise Lines, with whom she travelled extensively for 3 years as a featured singer and dancer. On returning home in 2007, Robyn began teaching.  She continued her ISTD teachers qualifications achieving her DDE in Modern Theatre, and in 2016 was awarded her Licentiate in Classical Ballet. She also gained her Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in instructing Pilates Matwork and became a ‘Progressive Ballet Technique’ qualified instructor in 2018.

In 2010 Robyn founded the Sussex Youth Ballet Company with the aim of nurturing talent and inspiring young dancers by choreographing new productions for them to perform in.

In 2019, Robyn was awarded her Fellowship status with the ISTD, in Imperial Classical Ballet.

GAPA is delighted to welcome back Miss Baker who taught for us back in 2012.

Alexander Simpkins MA PDTD

Mar 2, 2016

Alexander Simpkins took his first ballet lessons in London with Suzanna Raymond and Denise Kelly. Aged 9, he began training at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters with John O’Brien. After completing his dance education at Central School of Ballet, he took his first job abroad in Austria with the Grazer Ballet. He was a member of the Ballet de Zaragoza in Spain for four years He returned to Austria to work in Linz and completed his career as a soloist with various companies in Germany. His repertoire included roles in classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker (Prince and Fritz). He danced in ballets by Frederick Ashton (Les Patineurs), George Balanchine (Allegro Brillante), Derek Deane (Tres Poemas); neo classical works by choreographers such as Richard Wherlock, Davide Bombana, Robert North, Nils Christe and in contemporary creations including the work of Maya M. Carroll.

Alex has worked as a Guest Ballet Master for several companies in Germany. He completed a Master of Arts degree in teaching from the Palucca University of Dance, Dresden, where he also taught students on the dancer’s and dance teacher’s programmes. In 2014 he graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance Professional Dancer’s Teacher’s Diploma with Distinction. He has additionally trained as a Gyrotonic Instructor.

Gwendolen Nelson

Oct 16, 2023

Gwendolen is a Sussex-based ISTD and BBO ballet teacher and also specialises in body conditioning. Having trained in RAD and BBO ballet since the age of 4, Gwen went on to graduate with a First Class (BA) Honours Degree from DeMontfort University before continuing her training with world-renowned London company The BalletBoyz. After many years performing as a freelance dancer, Gwen moved into the world of film and TV, landing dancer roles in movies such as Summerland 2020, Last Night in Soho 2021, Last Letter from Your Lover 2021, and Doctor Strange 2 2022, and TV series Britannia 2 and Pennyworth. Gwen took the role of Choreographer for the 2023 movie The Boys in the Boat by Director George Clooney after working as Choreographer for Garsington Opera’s Youth Company in their 2020 and 2021 seasons and touring band Noble Jacks music videos.